"You get disliked for it — lots of jealousy" - Phil Taylor discloses negative reaction Littler will receive while world number one

Phil Taylor is widely recognised as the best to ever throw a dart. The titles and time he spent at world number one shows that clearly. However, there was always going to be a new kid on the block set to challenge his legacy, with Luke Littler recently becoming the youngest world number one.

He completed this incredible feat after successfully defending his Grand Slam of Darts title. He sprant away from Luke Humphries in the final to win 16-11 for his fifth major title of the year. In reaching the final, he snatched away the number one ranking from Humphries.

It was something that Taylor has expected to happen. "Oh, definitely. 100%. It was only a matter of time before he was No. 1 — that was never in doubt," he told talkSPORT.

He had some kind words to say about the 18-year-old. "It’s just the way he is. He conducts himself brilliantly. He’s a lovely lad — very quiet. He’s not a party animal, which impressed me because he’s not money-motivated. He just gets on with it. He doesn’t get flustered, the limelight doesn’t bother him, and he takes everything on the chin. I think he’s great."

Littler and his close rival Luke Humphries have enjoyed many high calibre matches in the biggest settings over the last couple of years, cementing themselves as the best players in the world. "They are the two best players at the minute, 100%," Taylor said, agreeing with the majority of fans. "The other players now have got to start changing something. They’ve either got to change their darts or change something in their game to make themselves better." He followed up with a downside in Littler's game. "And I’ve noticed Luke can be a slow starter sometimes — that’s when you’ve got to get him.

"I’d say the first five minutes. He was 5–0 down the other night and came back," Taylor continued. "You’ve got to keep him under pressure. What happens is players get in front, then they get nervous, thinking, 'I’ve got a chance to beat young Luke.' You’ve got to treat him like a school bully — hit him back and see if he likes it. Easier said than done, of course. But they’ve got to practice, dedicate themselves, and put pressure on themselves in practice like it’s a final."

Taylor is used to a rivalry. In his time in the spotlight, he embraced many different stars of the game on the oche, usually fending them off. "There were quite a few. In the beginning I had Jocky Wilson and Eric Bristow, John Lowe — John Lowe was a lovely player. Then Dennis Priestley came along, then Barney, then the next generation like Adrian Lewis and so on. I’ve seen four different generations, and they’re all good. Anyone can play well on the day," Taylor admitted.

He then shared some words of wisdom to the pair: "The two Lukes now have got to pace themselves because they’ll burn out. I’ve seen a lot of players get arthritis from playing tournament after tournament — there’s a lot of pressure on you. You’ve got to rest. Don’t be out with your mates five or six days a week. It’s full-time dedication." This means being selective with your tournament's, something Taylor was throughout his career due to other commitments.

"Yeah, but I also had four kids," Taylor stated. "You can’t run around everywhere like a single man — because you’re not. Young Luke is single, but he’s not one for going out. Luke Humphries has responsibilities — two children — and he’s a proper dad. That helps with structure: practice and dedicate yourself."

If anyone is going to know how it feels to be number one, it is 'The Power.' He sat at the top of the tree for a grand total of 13 years and 3,351 days. He was perched above everyone else between 2006 and 2013 in a staggering run. This comes with a huge negative: being disliked.

"Oh yeah, all the time. You get disliked for it — lots of jealousy. You’re the one winning all the money, stopping others making a good living," Taylor acknowledged. "If Luke wins a million pounds by January 3rd, the players will hate him — of course they will. Everybody wants to beat him."

Taylor followed up with some more key advice for The Nuke. "Get as much rest as you can. With darts, it’s mainly eyesight — like staring at a computer all day, your eyes get tired. Prepare properly. Roy Keane said it: 'Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.' It’s not easy being No. 1. It’s easier to get there than stay there."

The 65-year-old has won almost everything the sport can offer him, including 16 World Championship titles. It is then no surprise that he spends less time playing now, but he has not totally stopped yet.

"Yeah. I do personal appearances, chats, motivational stuff. I was up at Gleneagles last week doing a Q&A — how I started, what I did, dedication, why I was so good. But there’s no secret: just hard work and dedication.

"I enjoy getting into bed by half seven now. I had 30 years of being on stage at 11 or 12 at night. I’m all right now," he concluded.